Hall, Evelyn Ruth (Mrs. Donald J.)

8/19/1992

1932-1992

On Wednesday morning, August 19, 1992, in her home in Lafayette, Evelyn Ruth Blankenbaker Hall, following a lengthy illness, faced an impending early death with a calm repose that strengthened those who cared for her and those of us who witnessed her Christian faith.
Evelyn, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert A. Blankenbaker, was born in DeRidder August 28, 1932. Her family was a primary focal point of her life. She loved her family dearly and devoted herself to each and all. She was the mother of three children: Donna Gail who resides in Baton Rouge with her husband Dr. William David Constant and their son Justin Germany; Kenneth Wayne, who resides in Baton Rouge with his wife Fay, and their two daughters Emily and Kelsi; and Richard Layne, who resides in Monroe with his wife Toni and daughter Nichole.
In her quiet and unassuming way Evelyn was the constant supporter of her husband, Dr. Donald J. Hall, as they served in ministry throughout the Louisiana Conference. In 1952 Evelyn transferred her local church membership from her home church, First Church DeRidder, to the newly organized Wesley Church in DeRidder. It was through the organization of this new church that Evelyn and Don Hall met, and on May 10, 1953, they were married in the Wesley Church. She was the first Sunday School teacher at Wesley. In her ministry Evelyn loved to teach third grade children both in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was always an active participant in WSCS/UMW and was honored with life memberships by several local church units. While she was not a trained musician she enjoyed singing in church choirs. Evelyn was a gracious host as a pastor’s wife while at the same time she could often be found in the church kitchen or fellowship hall cleaning up after covered dish dinners. She loved her church and served with ability and dignity.
On August 21, 1992 a memorial service celebrating the life and faith of Evelyn Ruth Blankenbaker Hall was held at First United Methodist Church in DeRidder with a beautiful Witness of Remembrance given by Dr. Douglas L. McGuire and the Witness to the Gospel given by Dr. Byrl Moreland. Evelyn will be remembered by her family and friends as a Christian teacher, motivator, comforter, and one who nurtured her children and others in the Christian faith. Her grandson described her as “a person of great giving who spread warmth and joy to all.”